Hands-free human machine interface responsive to a driver of a vehicle

ABSTRACT

Human machine interfaces for use in a vehicle are provided. According to one implementation, a human machine interface (HMI) comprises a housing configured to be mounted on a vehicle. The HMI also includes a sensor, a microphone, and a speaker disposed in the housing. The sensor is configured to sense image input received from a driver of the vehicle. The microphone is configured to receive speech input received from the driver. The speaker is configured to provide audio output to the driver. The HMI further includes a processing device disposed within the housing and coupled with the sensor, microphone, and speaker. The processing device is configured to process the image input and speech input.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to human machine interfaces and more particularly relates to hands-free interactive devices for use in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking, modern day society in the developed world has been significantly influenced by the technological advances in cellular phones, smartphones, and other types of mobile devices. When mobile devices are used in a vehicle, however, a driver can easily become distracted when his or her attention is diverted away from the primary responsibility of safely operating the vehicle. Every year, hundreds of thousands of accidents and even thousands of fatalities are attributed to drivers being distracted while driving on U.S. roads and highways. A large percentage of these distractions are caused by the use of cell phones and smartphones.

Many states have instituted laws prohibiting certain uses of mobile devices while driving, such as texting while driving. Despite their good intentions, however, many drivers continue to be distracted by their mobile devices while operating a vehicle.

Numerous devices have been developed over the years to attempt to reduce the level of driver distraction by simplifying certain actions, such as answering a cell phone call, placing a cell phone call, talking on the cell phone, etc. Many of these driver-assisted devices are configured to be mounted on the dashboard or windshield of the vehicle and can therefore impede the driver's view, creating another unsafe driving condition.

Therefore, a need exists for improved human machine interfaces for use in a vehicle. Particularly, human machine interfaces can be developed, as described in the present disclosure, to reduce the level of driver distraction and enable hands-free usage, yet would not interfere with the driver's view of his or her surroundings. Such devices can be used with any type of vehicle, such as an automobile, truck, delivery van, tractor trailer, etc.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces human machine interfaces for use in a vehicle. The human machine interfaces can be hands-free devices allowing the driver to maintain his or her hands on the vehicle's steering wheel at all times.

In an exemplary embodiment according to the teachings of the present disclosure, a human machine interface (HMI) comprises a housing configured to be mounted on a vehicle. A sensor, disposed in the housing, is configured to sense image input received from a driver of the vehicle. A microphone, also disposed in the housing, is configured to receive speech input received from the driver. A speaker, which is also disposed in the housing, is configured to provide audio output to the driver. The human machine interface further comprises a processing device disposed within the housing and coupled with the sensor, microphone, and speaker. The processing device is configured to process the image input and speech input.

In another exemplary embodiment according to the teachings of the present disclosure, another human machine interface (HMI) is described. The HMI comprises a housing configured to be mounted inside the cabin of a vehicle. The HMI further includes a gesture sensing device disposed in the housing. The gesture sensing device is configured to sense gestures of a driver of the vehicle. A microphone, disposed in the housing, is configured to receive speech input from the driver. A speaker, also disposed in the housing, is configured to provide audio output to the driver. The HMI further includes a heads-up display (HUD) projector disposed in the housing. The HUD projector is configured to project an image onto a windshield of the vehicle. Also, the HMI comprises a processing device disposed within the housing and electrically coupled with the gesture sensing device, microphone, speaker, and HUD projector. The processing device is configured to process gesture and speech input received from the driver. Also, the processing device is configured to generate audio output to be provided to the driver via the speaker and visual output to be provided to the driver via the HUD projector.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary human machine interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a back perspective view of the human machine interface of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a block diagram of exemplary circuitry of the human machine interface of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a block diagram of a task execution component associated with the circuitry of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention embraces hands-free human machine interfaces that can be used in a vehicle. The examples of the human machine interface (HMI) devices disclosed herein may be responsive to a user (preferably a driver of the vehicle seated in the driver's seat). In some embodiments, the HMI devices may also be responsive to other passengers within the cabin of the vehicle. The HMI devices of the present invention are able to receive speech input from a user (e.g., the driver of the vehicle) and can receive gesture input from the user.

The HMI devices disclosed herein enable the driver to remain focused on the primary responsibility of operating the vehicle, while allowing the driver to interact with other devices, such as mobile devices and global positioning system (GPS) devices. By establishing a short range communication channel (e.g., Bluetooth™) between the HMI device and the driver's mobile device (e.g., cell phone, smartphone, GPS device, etc.), the HMI device enables the driver to receive calls, place calls, request directions, etc. without physically touching the HMI device or mobile device. Instead, the driver can control the mobile device via the HMI device using voice commands and gestures.

Gesture input may be sensed by monitoring the positioning of the driver's head, eyes, mouth, shoulders, arms, hands, and/or fingers. Gesture input may also be sensed by monitoring the movement of the driver, including various dynamic actions such as tilting the head, blinking the eyes, moving the mouth, waving the hand, lifting one or more fingers, etc.

The HMI devices described in the present disclosure are intended to be easy to use without excessively distracting the driver while operating a vehicle. The driver can interact with the HMI devices hands-free. Also, the driver can receive information without looking away from the road.

Also, the HMI devices disclosed herein can be incorporated into a rear view mirror assembly, which can replace an existing rear view mirror of a vehicle. In other implementations, the HMI devices can be incorporated in a housing that is configured to be attached to an existing rear view mirror of the vehicle. By combining the HMI device with a rear view mirror assembly, according to the teachings of the present disclosure, the driver's ability to see through the windshield is not obstructed by supplemental devices.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a human machine interface (HMI) 10 is provided. The HMI 10 includes a housing 12 that is attached to a mounting assembly 14 for mounting the HMI 10 inside the cabin of a vehicle. In alternative embodiments, however, the HMI 10 may be mounted outside of the cabin of the vehicle. The mounting assembly 14 includes a base 16, an arm 18, and a first joint 20. The first joint 20 may be a ball and socket type joint allowing the arm 18 to move in multiple directions with respect to the base 16. The base 16 can be mounted on the windshield of the vehicle or on a portion of the frame of the vehicle, preferably near the top of the windshield. The arm 18 is connected to the housing 12 via a second joint 38 (FIG. 2), which may be similar in structure to the first joint 20.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the HMI 10 includes a mirror 22 on a front side of the housing 12 and facing toward the rear of the vehicle. The mirror 22 may be built into the housing 12. In other implementations, the mirror 22 may be omitted and the housing 12 of the HMI 10 may be attached to an existing rear view mirror of a vehicle using suitable attachment elements, such as clips, adhesive materials, hook and loop elements, etc. The mirror 22, like a typical rear view mirror, enables the driver to see behind the vehicle while facing forward.

Attached to a bottom side of the housing 12 is an interface unit 24. The front side of the interface unit 24 (facing toward the rear of the vehicle) may include, for example, a microphone 26, a speaker 28, a rear facing camera 30, a first gesture sensor 32, and a second gesture sensor 34. In some embodiments, the interface unit 24 may include a single gesture sensing element or any number of gesture sensing elements instead of the two gesture sensors 32, 34 as shown. The interface unit 24 may also be configured to include multiple speakers in place of the single speaker 28.

FIG. 2 shows a back side 36 of the housing 12, which is configured to face toward the front of the vehicle and away from the driver. A back side of the interface unit 24, which is located at the bottom of the housing 12, includes a front facing camera 40 and a heads-up display (HUD) projector 42.

The gesture sensors 32, 34, rear facing camera 30, and/or front facing camera 40 may comprise any suitable type of image sensing technology. For example, the sensors and cameras may use any combination of optical lenses, apertures, light sensors, image sensors, infrared sensors, or other suitable image sensing and processing devices.

In operation, the HMI 10 is configured to receive input from the user (e.g., the driver). Input may be in the form of voice commands from the driver received through the microphone 26. Other types of input may include gestures that are sensed by the first and second gesture sensors 32, 34. In addition to user-initiated input, the HMI 10 also detects other types of input, such as images sensed by the rear facing camera 30 and front facing camera 40.

The HMI 10 processes these inputs to perform various tasks. For example, user inputs may be processed to perform cellular phone actions, such as answering a cell phone call, placing a cell phone call to a particular person, determining a cell phone number of a particular person from a contact list stored in the cell phone, ending a cell phone call, adjusting volume levels, etc. In addition, user inputs may be processed by the HMI 10 to perform GPS actions, such as requesting information regarding the location of the vehicle, entering a destination to request navigational instructions to the destination, etc.

The HMI 10 provides output for the user in the form of audio signals via the speaker 28 and visual signals via the HUD projector 42. For cellular services, the speaker 28 may be configured to provide audio signals received from the caller on the other end of the “line.” The speaker 28 may also be configured to play various phone-type tones to indicate an incoming call, a disconnected call, a busy signal, etc. Regarding GPS services, the speaker 28 may be configured to provide voice instructions regarding the location of the vehicle, turn-by-turn instructions to reach a particular destination, distance to the particular destination, speed of the vehicle, etc.

Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the HMI 10 may include other output in addition to the audio output radiating from the speaker 28. Particularly, the HUD projector 42 may be configured to project images to assist the driver. The HUD projector 42 is preferably configured to project images onto the windshield of the vehicle, but may also be configured in some embodiments to project images on the mirror 22.

Regarding cellular services, the HUD projector 42 may be configured to provide information associated with the other caller. For example, information such as the caller's name, phone number, picture, etc. may be projected by the HUD projector 42, preferably in an area on the windshield or mirror 22 that does not obstruct the driver's view.

Regarding GPS services, the HUD projector 42 may be configured to provide information relating to the location and/or coordinates of the vehicle, directions to a particular destination, etc. The information regarding the location of the vehicle may include a name of a state, city, or county in which the vehicle is located, a name of a street, road, or highway on which the vehicle is currently operating, etc. Information regarding directions may include the name or names of one or more upcoming streets, roads, or highways on which the vehicle is to be turned, arrows showing upcoming turning directions, lines and road names showing intersecting roads, etc.

Not only is the HMI 10 capable of assisting with cellular and GPS services, but also it may be configured to provide other information to the driver that is not in response to user-initiated commands. For example, the rear facing camera 30 and front facing camera 40 are capable of capturing images that can be processed to determine the status of the vehicle. The HMI 10 may be configured to process the images from the cameras 30, 40 to determine whether an accident is imminent, whether objects in the general path of the vehicle may be obstacles, if the vehicle appears to be operated unsafely, if traffic laws are not being followed or may potentially be broken, etc.

When certain situations are recognized, the HMI 10 may be configured to provide an alert, warning, or other type of signal to the driver. The type of signal and characteristics of the signal provided to the user may be dependent on the imminence of an accident, severity of an unsafe condition, etc. The alerts, warnings, and other signals may be provided as audio signals (e.g., beeps, tones, verbal instructions, etc.) via the speaker 28 and/or as visual signals (e.g., flashing lights, warning terminology, symbols, etc.) via the HUD projector 42.

It should be noted that the HMI 10 may be mounted inside the cabin of the vehicle in a conventional manner near the top center of the windshield. In other embodiments, the HMI 10 may be mounted at the location of one or both of the side mirrors on the vehicle, particularly if the vehicle is a tractor trailer and the trailer would obstruct the view through a conventional rear view mirror. The HMI 10 may also be mounted on any rear view mirror, side mirror, or other mirror located inside or outside the cabin of any type of vehicle. Furthermore, the HMI 10 may be mounted on the windshield, side mirrors, gas tank, or frame of a motorcycle.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of circuitry 46 disposed inside the housing 12 of the HMI 10. Some elements of the circuitry 46 are arranged within the walls of the housing 12 to effectively receive input from the driver or provide output to the driver. The built-in mirror 22 is also shown on the outside of the housing, according to embodiments in which the HMI 10 and rear facing mirror 22 are combined in one unit. In the embodiments in which the HMI 10 does not have a built-in mirror but attaches to an existing rear view mirror, the mirror 22 as shown can be omitted and additional attachment features may be included on the housing 12.

The internal circuitry 46 of the HMI 10 includes a processing device 50 configured to perform numerous operations. The processing device 50 may be a general-purpose or specific-purpose processor or microcontroller for controlling the operations and functions of the HMI 10. In some implementations, the processing device 50 may include a plurality of processors for performing different functions within the HMI 10.

The processing device 50 may include analog-to-digital converters for converting analog signals to digital signals. For example, analog audio signals may be received from the microphone 26 and/or analog video images may be received from the gesture sensors 32, 34 and/or cameras 30, 40. The processing device 50 may also include digital-to-analog converters for converting digital signals to analog signal for output to the speaker 28 and/or HUD projector 42.

The circuitry 46 further comprises memory 52, which may include volatile and non-volatile memory. In some embodiments, the memory 52 may store software programs allowing the processing device 50 to execute various functions as described herein. The memory 52 may include one or more internally fixed storage units, removable storage units, and/or remotely accessible storage units, each including a tangible storage medium. The various storage units may include any combination of volatile memory and non-transitory, non-volatile memory. For example, volatile memory may comprise random access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), etc. Non-volatile memory may comprise read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, etc. The storage units may be configured to store any combination of information, data, instructions, software code, etc.

A power source 54 disposed in the housing 12 may be used to provide electrical power to the circuitry 46. For example, the power source 54 may include one or more batteries or may include an electrical adapter connected to the vehicle's battery. When the power source 54 is embodied as an electrical adapter, the adapter is capable of converting the vehicle battery's voltage (e.g., about 12 volts) to an appropriate voltage level (e.g., about 2.5 volts) for powering the circuitry 46.

The circuitry 46 further includes user input devices, such as the microphone 26, rear facing camera 30, and forward facing camera 40. A gesture sensing unit 56 is another user input device that operates in coordination with the first and second gesture sensors 32, 34 to obtain gesture input. The user input received from the user input devices is provided to the processing device 50, which analyzes the input according to various duties. The processing device 50 then provides output to the user through output devices, such as the speaker 28 and HUD projector 42.

In some embodiments, the input devices and output devices may include fewer devices or more devices than what is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and described in the present disclosure. For example, according to some embodiments, one or both of the rear facing camera 30 and forward facing camera 40 may be omitted. According to other embodiments, the HUD projector 42 may be omitted. In still other embodiments, additional input and/or output devices may be incorporated in the HMI 10 in addition to the devices already shown in FIGS. 1-3. Examples of such additional input devices and output devices include various input mechanisms (e.g., keypads, buttons, switches, touch screens, cursor control devices, etc.) and/or various output mechanisms (e.g., display screens, touch screens, buzzers, notification devices, lights, light emitting diodes, liquid crystal displays, etc.).

The circuitry 46 shown in FIG. 3 also includes a short range communication unit 58, a first antenna 60, a GPS communication unit 62, and a second antenna 64. The short range communication unit 58 communicates wirelessly with external devices via the first antenna 60 and the GPS communication unit 62 communicates wirelessly with external devices via the second antenna 64. In an alternative embodiment, the short range communication unit 58 and GPS communication unit 62 may share a single antenna.

The short range communication unit 58 may utilize Bluetooth™, Bluetooth low energy, or other short range wireless radio frequency technology to create a piconet with one or more mobile devices (e.g., cellular devices, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc.). In this manner, the user can control the one or more mobile devices by way of the HMI 10 using spoken commands and/or gestures.

Also, the short range communication unit 58 may be configured with near field communication (NFC) capabilities. When a mobile device is brought within a short range (e.g., within about 10 cm) of the HMI 10 or is tapped against the HMI 10, a link is established between the mobile device and the HMI 10, allowing further communication between the two devices. In some embodiments, an additional NFC unit and antenna may be incorporated in the housing 12 to enable NFC operations. According to other implementations, the short range communication unit 58 may be configured with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to establish a link between the mobile device and HMI 10 when the two devices are brought into proximity with one another.

The GPS communication unit 62 may communicate with GPS satellites to determine the position and travel direction of the vehicle with respect to Earth coordinates. The GPS communication unit 62 may be configured to store and/or download road maps and determine turn-by-turn directions to a specific destination.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a task execution component 70 that is executable by the processing device 50 shown in FIG. 3. The task execution component 70 may include a variety of functional modules for allowing the processing device 50 to perform various tasks. The task execution component 70 of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combinations thereof. If implemented in software or firmware, the logical instructions, commands, programs, and/or code of the task execution component 70 may be stored in memory 52 and executed by a suitable instruction execution system, such as the processing device 50. If implemented in hardware, the task execution component 70 may be incorporated in the processing device 50 using discrete logic circuitry, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any combinations thereof.

The task execution component 70, according to some embodiments, may comprise an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The instructions can be embodied in any non-transitory, computer-readable medium for use by an instruction execution system or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-controlled system, etc.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the task execution component 70 includes a gesture recognition module 72, a speech recognition module 74, an accident analysis module 76, an obstacle warning module 78, a navigation module 80, a HUD video generation module 82, and a HUD combiner module 84.

The gesture recognition module 72 is configured to receive images from the first and second gesture sensors 32, 34 and determine when the driver makes certain predefined gestures for communicating various commands. The gesture recognition module 72 may be configured to recognize the positioning of the driver's hands and fingers, movement of the driver's eyes, head, hands, etc. The detected gestures and/or interpretations of the gestures can be communicated to the processing device 50 as specific commands for further processing.

The speech recognition module 74 is configured to receive speech signals from the microphone 26 and determine specific vocal commands. The received speech is analyzed with respect to predefined audible commands to determine the user's commands. The commands are communicated to the processing device 50 for further processing.

The accident analysis module 76 is configured to receive visual input from the front facing camera 40. Images are analyzed in real time to determine if an accident is imminent. The obstacle warning module 78 may be configured to receive visual input from the front facing camera 40 and/or the rear facing camera 30. Images are analyzed by the obstacle warning module 78 to determine if one or more objects pose a threat as potentially being an obstacle in an estimated path of the vehicle based on the current status of the vehicle.

The navigation module 80 is configured to operate in conjunction with the GPS communication unit 62 to receive input regarding the earth location of the vehicle, speed of the vehicle, etc. The navigation module 80 is also configured to receive audible commands from the user via the microphone 26 and speech recognition module 74. The navigation module 80 processes the user commands relevant to navigation or other GPS related information. For example, the user may speak a command to start a navigational mode and speak a destination or address. The navigation module 80 may determine directions or other information based on the current status of the vehicle, commands, pre-stored road maps, etc.

The HUD video generation module 82 and HUD combiner module 84 may operate together to provide images that are projected onto the windshield of the vehicle. Based on the services being provided, the HUD video generation module 82 generates different types of video images for assisting the driver in various ways. If the accident analysis module 76 or obstacle warning module 78 detects a potential issue, the HUD video generation module 82 may create video images to accentuate or highlight the potential issue.

The HUD combiner module 84 is configured to obtain live images, such as those received from the front facing camera 40. The live images are combined with the images produced by the HUD video generation module 82. The HUD combiner module 84 can match up or align the generated images with the live images such that the driver can essentially see an overlay of supplemental information (e.g., highlighted potential obstacles, speed of vehicle, directional instructions, cellular caller information, etc.) on the windshield. The HUD combiner module 84 can be adjusted for the specific shape or design of the windshield and angle at which the HUD projector 42 is directed to the windshield.

It should be noted that the task execution component 70 may include fewer or more modules than those shown in FIG. 4. For example, the HMI 10 may be configured without the HUD capabilities, and thereby the modules 82 and 84 may be omitted. If the HMI 10 is not configured with GPS capabilities, the navigation module 80 may be omitted. Also, the HMI 10 may be configured without accident and/or obstacle analysis, and thereby the accident analysis module 76 and/or obstacle warning module 78 may be omitted.

Additional modules may be incorporated into the HMI 10. For example, driver fatigue sensors may be used in cooperation with the gesture sensors 32, 34 to determine if the driver's eyes are drooping or if the driver's head is nodding. Also, music selection systems may be incorporated into the HMI 10 to enable the user to select a radio station or select a song stored on a compact disc, flash memory device, MP3 player, or other medium or device in communication with the HMI 10, allowing the driver to select music hands-free.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A human machine interface comprising: a housing configured to be mounted inside the cabin of a vehicle, wherein a lower portion of the housing comprises an interface unit; a gesture sensing device disposed in the housing, the gesture sensing device configured to sense gestures of a driver of the vehicle; a microphone disposed in the housing, the microphone configured to receive speech input from the driver; a speaker disposed in the housing, the speaker configured to provide audio output to the driver; a heads-up display (HUD) projector disposed at a back side of the interface unit, the HUD projector configured to face forwardly to project visual output onto a windshield of the vehicle when the housing is mounted inside the cabin; and a processing device disposed within the housing and electrically coupled with the gesture sensing device, microphone, speaker, and HUD projector, wherein the processing device is configured to process gesture and speech input received from the driver, wherein the processing device is further configured to generate audio output to be provided to the driver via the speaker and visual output to be provided to the driver via the HUD projector, and wherein the processing device is further configured to align and adjust the visual output provided by the HUD projector based on at least one of shape of the windshield and design of the windshield; and a mirror disposed on an outside surface of the housing, wherein the mirror is configured to face rearwardly when the housing is mounted inside the cabin, to enable the driver to see behind the vehicle when the driver faces in a forward direction with respect to the vehicle, and wherein the mirror has a lower edge, wherein the interface unit is positioned beneath, and extends along, the lower edge of the mirror.
 2. The human machine interface of claim 1, further comprising a short range wireless communication device disposed in the housing, the short range wireless communication device configured to create a piconet with a mobile device.
 3. The human machine interface of claim 1, further comprising a global positioning system (GPS) communication device disposed in the housing, the GPS communication device configured to determine an earth position of the vehicle, the processing device being further configured to execute navigation functions based on the earth position of the vehicle.
 4. The human machine interface of claim 1, further comprising: a forward facing camera disposed in the housing, the forward facing camera configured to detect images in front of the vehicle; and a rear facing camera disposed in the housing, the rear facing camera configured to detect images behind the vehicle; wherein the processing device is further configured to execute image combining functions to combine supplemental visual information with images detected by at least one of the forward facing camera and rear facing camera.
 5. The human machine interface of claim 1, wherein the interface unit includes at least one of the gesture sensing device, the microphone, the speaker, and the HUD projector.
 6. The human machine interface of claim 1, wherein the interface unit includes each of the gesture sensing device, the microphone, the speaker, and the HUD projector.
 7. The human machine interface of claim 1, wherein the visual output comprises a plurality of visual information comprising live images from a forward facing camera, potential obstacles, speed of the vehicle, directional instructions, and cellular caller information.
 8. The human machine interface of claim 1, wherein: the visual output comprises a plurality of visual information; and the processing device is configured to align and adjust the plurality of visual information based on an angle at which the HUD projector is directed to the windshield.
 9. A human machine interface comprising: a housing configured to be mounted on a vehicle, wherein a lower portion of the housing comprises an interface unit; a sensor disposed in the housing, the sensor configured to sense image input received from a driver of the vehicle; a microphone disposed in the housing, the microphone configured to receive speech input received from the driver; a speaker disposed in the housing, the speaker configured to provide audio output to the driver; a processing device disposed within the housing and coupled with the sensor, microphone, and speaker, the processing device configured to process the image input and speech input, and wherein the processing device is further configured to align and adjust a plurality of processed images on a windshield of the vehicle based on at least one of shape of the windshield and design of the windshield; and a mirror disposed on an outside surface of the housing, wherein the mirror is configured to face rearwardly when the housing is mounted on the vehicle, to enable the driver to see behind the vehicle when the driver faces in a forward direction with respect to the vehicle, and wherein the mirror has a lower edge, wherein the interface unit is positioned beneath, and extends along, the lower edge of the mirror.
 10. The human machine interface of claim 9, further comprising a heads-up display (HUD) projector disposed in the housing, the HUD projector configured to project the plurality of processed images onto the windshield of the vehicle.
 11. The human machine interface of claim 10, wherein the housing is mounted adjacent to a top edge of the windshield.
 12. The human machine interface of claim 11, wherein the housing is configured to be mounted inside the cabin of the vehicle, and wherein the vehicle is one of a truck, van, and automobile.
 13. The human machine interface of claim 10, wherein the HUD projector is disposed at a back side of the interface unit and positioned to face forwardly to project the plurality of processed images onto the windshield of the vehicle.
 14. The human machine interface of claim 10, wherein the processing device is configured to align and adjust the plurality of processed images based on an angle at which the HUD projector is directed to the windshield.
 15. The human machine interface of claim 9, wherein the sensor includes at least one camera.
 16. The human machine interface of claim 9, wherein the processing device is further configured to execute speech recognition functions to interpret voice commands received from the driver.
 17. The human machine interface of claim 9, further comprising a forward facing camera disposed in the housing, the forward facing camera configured to detect images in front of the vehicle.
 18. The human machine interface of claim 17, wherein the processing device is further configured to execute image combining functions to combine supplemental visual information with images detected by the forward facing camera.
 19. The human machine interface of claim 9, further comprising a rear facing camera disposed in the housing, the rear facing camera configured to detect images behind the vehicle.
 20. The human machine interface of claim 9, further comprising a global positioning system (GPS) communication device configured to determine an earth position of the vehicle.
 21. The human machine interface of claim 20, wherein the processing device is further configured to execute navigation functions based on the earth position of the vehicle.
 22. The human machine interface of claim 9, further comprising a short range wireless communication device configured to create a piconet with a mobile device.
 23. The human machine interface of claim 9, further comprising a power source configured to provide electrical power to at least the sensor, microphone, speaker, and processing device.
 24. The human machine interface of claim 9, wherein the interface unit includes at least one of the sensor, the microphone, and the speaker.
 25. The human machine interface of claim 9, wherein the interface unit includes each of the sensor, the microphone, and the speaker. 